Fines totalling seven figures were accumulated in one part of the county.

Mayo County Council is preparing to take over 35 housing units at Churchfield Park, Knock, as part of its housing delivery programme.

The question of who will take over the family farm is one of the biggest issues facing rural Ireland today, according to Michael Gill, Head of the Department of Organisational Development at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) with ...

For more than two decades, Mayo Cancer Support has been offering emotional support to people affected by cancer in Co Mayo.

The chairman of the board of Iarnród Éireann has said the extension of the Western Rail Corridor is a “priority" Speaking on the Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk last week, Steve Murphy reiterated that the preservation of the Western Rail Corridor as a ...

The Mayo Business Awards 2025 are now open for entries.  As the awards celebrate 10 years of honouring business excellence, this year sees expanded and updated award categories ensuring there is a suitable one for every type of business.

Frank Fleming, who passed away in Dublin on August 5th last, was one of the last links to Mayo GAA’s golden era of the early 1950s.

Claremorris AFC marks 40 years in Mayo League Claremorris AFC marked its 40th anniversary over the August bank holiday weekend with a series of events that brought together players past and present, committee members and supporters.

A new Junior Cycle maths textbook, co-authored by a Claremorris woman, has arrived on the Irish education market this month, offering what its authors describe as a “differentiated and student-responsive” alternative to existing materials.

‘Somebody Special’ concert A fundraising concert entitled ‘Somebody Special’ will take place at the Town Hall Theatre in Claremorris on Saturday, August 23, at 8pm.

The bus connection from Claremorris to Galway is causing chaos for people due to waiting times between connecting services.

Fundraiser in memory of Martin raises over €25kThe team at Gilligan’s Bar in Claremorris has presented an extraordinary donation of €25,220, raised through a series of heartfelt fundraising events in memory of Martin Gilligan.

There was plenty to celebrate at Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca as the school wrapped up an extraordinary term of sporting achievement, with its boys’ and girls’ football, hurling and camogie teams winning county titles at the Cumann na mBunscol ...

A Castlebar-based county councillor has branded his political career “a disaster” since the abolition of town councils 11 years ago.

ThanksThe Claremorris South Responder Group extends sincere thanks to Claremorris National School for their recent fundraising efforts, which resulted in a generous donation of €550 to support the work of the voluntary group.

With just over four weeks to go, anticipation is building across the region as preparations continue for the 105th Claremorris Agricultural Show and Trade Fair.

Funding for radio stationClaremorris Community Radio has been awarded €35,608 as part of a substantial national funding package recently announced by Coimisiún na Meán.

Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien has announced the sites of 53 new high-power recharging hubs to service the expanding electric vehicle (EV) fleet across Ireland's national road network.

A Mayo councillor who is part of a new local government taskforce does not believe a return to town councils should be considered. Cllr Damien Ryan made the comments at the annual general meeting of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District (MD).

South Mayo councillors believe the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District (MD) requires a central development hub town which can act as a feeder location for other towns in the area.

Fine Gael’s Michael Burke is the new Cathoirleach of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District. The Ballinrobe councillor takes over the role from Cllr Damien Ryan having been elected by fellow councillors at the annual general meeting last Wednesday.

There was great excitement at Claremorris GAA pitch last week as Claremorris CNS proudly hosted the final of its inaugural School League, a thrilling match that celebrated not only sporting spirit, but also school unity, community, and tradition.

Claremorris Musical Society is celebrating a major achievement on the national stage after bringing home two top honours from the 2025 Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) Awards in Killarney.

Claremorris is celebrating success on the national stage as dancers from the Turley Duggan Academy of Irish Dancing were crowned winners of the Under-11 Céilí competition at the Irish Nationals in Killarney on June 6.

Members of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District have said new directives from the Government around planning regulations must be used as an opportunity to ease the housing crisis in Mayo.

There was cause for celebration in Claremorris recently when local employer DeCare Dental was named SME Company of the Year at the prestigious IBEC KeepWell Awards.

Cllr Patsy O’Brien has called on Mayo County Council to sort out an ongoing problem of heavy rains pooling outside Lyons Pub in Roundfort. The pub recently celebrated its 150th anniversary.

Members of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District have called for urgent safety works on access roads along the N17.

Poster competitionThe Claremorris and District Lions Club recently held its annual poster competition, engaging local pupils from five primary schools across the area.

Ballinrobe auctioneer and local councillor Michael Burke has warned there will be a homelessness crisis in Mayo in a matter of months as a result of private landlords leaving the housing market.

Cllr Deirdre Lawless has queried the effectiveness of council dog wardens after highlighting repetitive dog fouling outside Ballindine National School.

It will cost €30,000 to install digital speedometers on a stretch of road near Glencorrib National School in South Mayo, a meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District has heard.

Councillors in Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District have called for a full review of existing community employment schemes to support workers and help them transfer seamlessly between schemes, retain benefits and earn money that will meet current ...

When Soracha McGrath steps onto the stage at the Rose of Tralee Festival this August, she will carry with her not only the banner of Washington, D. C. , but the deep roots of her family’s heritage in Mayo.

Claremorris man, Luke Gibbons, a current PhD candidate in Law at Trinity College Dublin and Research Ireland Scholar, has won the Educational Excellence Award in the Hi Style Rémy Martin Awards 2025.

Philomena Begley and Ray Lynam are two household names and true legends of Irish Country music and have both had glittering careers spanning over six decades.

Claremorris-based businesswoman Melissa Walsh has once again made her mark as a finalist in this year’s Network Ireland Mayo Business Woman of the Year Awards.

Cúram appeals for Community Support in AIB funding drive Cúram Family Centre is calling on the Claremorris community to help secure vital financial support through the AIB Community Fund, which will distribute €1 million to charities and community ...

Tidy Towns launch dog owners' awareness initiative Claremorris Tidy Towns is calling on all dog owners to join them in showing love - not just for their pets, but for their community too.

Transition Year students at Mount St. Michael Secondary School and St Colman’s College in Claremorris recently rolled up their sleeves to take part in a meaningful community project in partnership with the Claremorris and District Lions Club.

Councillors in South Mayo have said improvement works at a busy crossroads cannot wait for an “intrinsically linked” flood relief scheme to proceed.

A senior official at Mayo County Council has defended the local authority's current procurement process.

A South Mayo councillor has called on Mayo County Council to hire seasonal workers to address the local authority's shortage of outdoor staff.

Concerns that the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District would be left without a senior executive engineer following staff changes at Mayo County Council were allayed at a meeting last week.

The creators of the award-winning short film, Where The Old Man Lives, have added an extra Claremorris date to this month’s screenings after demand far exceeded supply at last week's event in the town.

The spotlight shone on some of Ireland’s brightest young performers as No Name’s Got Talent 2025 took to the stage on Saturday, April 26th, at the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone.

An award-winning short film, written and produced by two South Mayo men, will enjoy its Mayo premiere in Claremorris on Thursday, May 8th. Screenings in Ballinrobe and Glencorrib will follow later in the month.

Independent Cllr Richard Finn has expressed frustration over the "persistent delays" affecting housing development in Claremorris and, in particular, a "lack of responsiveness" from local and national government.

A large crowd turned out in Irishtown in South Mayo on Easter Monday for the official launch of Briathra Talún / Words from the Land - a series of twelve sculptures created by artist Noah Rose.

A South Mayo GAA club is encouraging players, members and the wider community to take simple but important steps to protect their skin as we head into the summer months.

There was a great atmosphere of excitement, pride and homecoming in Irishtown on Easter Monday as members of the Fitzgibbons and O’Malley families - descendants of local woman Mary Ellen O’Malley -returned from Boston for a long-awaited reunion.

Camera Club exhibition Claremorris Camera Club’s exhibition, entitled ‘Magic Moments 2025’, continues until May 12th to coincide with the All-Ireland Drama Finals in the Town Hall.

Claremorris Family Resource Centre has received numerous enquiries from parents seeking guidance on how to keep their children safe online. In response, the Centre will be hosting an informative session titled “Digital Safety for Parents.

World events interrupted Peter McCallig’s plans for the opening of the All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals last Friday night in Claremorris.

Worrying trends in youth substance use are emerging across the western counties, with alcohol, vaping, and novel nicotine products continuing to present major challenges for public health officials.

Clár ICH, the voluntary housing association based in Claremorris, has been highlighted as a national example of best practice for delivering age-friendly homes.

Sabina Higgins, wife of President Michael D Higgins, will perform the opening ceremony of the 2025 All-Ireland (Confined) Drama Finals on Friday next, April 25th, in Claremorris.

Michael J Reidy, who died last week, was a Claremorris icon. He was one of the town’s oldest and most respected citizens.  He grew up on Mount Street, the son of a Tipperary man who originally ran a shop on James’ Street in the 1920s.

 Mayo County Council Arts Service and Irishtown Community Development Company Limited will launch Briathra Talún / Words from the Land - a public art commission by visual artist Noah Rose - at Páirc a Tobair, Irishtown, on Easter Monday, April 21st, ...

Glowing tributes have been paid to former Mayo County Council official Noel Burke who has passed away following illness.

Mayo County Council Arts Service and Irishtown Community Development Company Limited will launch Briathra Talún (Words from the Land) later this month.

Spirits were high on Monday last when the Western People visited Mount St Michael Secondary School, home of the All-Ireland B Senior Football champions. “It was a brilliant feeling winning the All-Ireland with your closest friends.

The students of St Colman's College, in association with Mount St Michael Secondary School, present the musical ‘Rock of Ages’ in Claremorris Town Hall on April 9th, 10th and 11th at 8pm nightly.

Approximately 7,000 people lined the streets of Claremorris on Sunday, March 16th, to view the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade.  The fine day - one of the few things the organising committee couldn’t influence - helped greatly.

First introduced in 1969, the Ford Capri was already a motoring icon by the end of its production in 1986, writes Trish Whelan. Engineered in Europe for European drivers, the new sports coupe has now been rewired for the electric era.

Claremorris Gardaí have denied reports that the number of officers assigned to the district fell sharply during 2024.

Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca were the winners of the inaugural Liam Smyth Memorial Cup for best overall float at the Claremorris St Patrick’s Day Parade.  The cup was presented by Liam and Anne’s sons, Ben, Josh, Harry and Sam.

Boherduff junction to remain open While seven junctions are to be closed on the N17 in the greater Claremorris area, one – at Boherduff (the L-55512) – will remain open.

Planners at Mayo Co Council have rejected a proposal to redevelop the old bank building at Lower James Street in Claremorris into apartments.

Paul Maguire, from Claremorris, has been shortlisted in the RDS Forestry Awards, which recognise and reward farmers and woodland owners that have adopted Climate-Smart Agricultural practices on their properties.

The All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals returns to Claremorris this year, running from April 25th to May 3rd. The results will be announced on Sunday, May 4th, at a gala dinner in McWilliam Park Hotel, which will be live-streamed.

Mayo householders are being urged to bring their batteries, electrical, and electronic waste to a set of free collection days to help the county meet national e-waste recycling targets for 2025.

Claremorris Gallery is hosting a new solo exhibition by internationally renowned Irish artist Donald Teskey, entitled 'A Wave from the Hill'.

A total of 52 students turned up at Clare Lake last week for the annual tree-planting event, hosted by Claremorris and District Lions Club. “It was a fantastic turnout,” Lions president, Melissa Walsh, told the Western People.

Seven local roads onto the N17 between Claremorris and Knock are to be closed for safety reasons.  An eighth road, known in Claremorris as the Bog Road, is to remain open to motorists due to the number of school routes and local traffic it serves.

St Colman’s College are back in the Hogan Cup final - the prestigious post-primary schools football championship - after a hard-fought, but well-deserved win over Coláiste Mhuire from Mullingar on a score line of 4-4 to 1-7.

More than 60 concerned forestry owners from south Mayo met in the Claremorris Family Resource Centre recently for a presentation of possible outcomes from the damage caused to forests in the area by Storm Éowyn.

In 123 cases where the fines were paid, gardaí said they will issue refunds.

Counselling Service at Cúram Cúram offers a professional low-cost counselling service which takes place in a confidential, caring, and listening environment.

A Claremorris councillor has called for the Old Bank building on Lower James Street in the town to be de-listed as a protected structure to allow the site to be developed for housing.

Darragh Beirne inspired St Colman's College to glory in the Connacht GAA PPS Senior 'A' Football Championship final against Summerhill College at Ballyhaunis last week.

The current fixed charge notice is a fine of €160 and three penalty points.

"I didn’t know there was such a problem or there were such people around us"

A Mayo councillor has requested that Uisce Éireann urgently convene a meeting with elected representatives over a group water scheme that cost €2 million but is yet to be connected to the main public water supply.

A Claremorris councillor has said it is ‘not good enough’ that a popular area of the town has inadequate public lighting.

Prestigious award for JoeCongratulations to Joe Reapy of Davitts GAA Club who has been honoured with a Gradaim an Uachtaráin (President’s Award) 2025 by the GAA for his outstanding contribution to Davitts over many years.

It wasn't just householders who were left without power after Storm Éowyn.

New data from Met Éireann has revealed the devastating power of Storm Éowyn last month. Knock Airport was one of four weather stations along the western seaboard where mean wind speeds reached violent storm force 11 on Friday, January 24th.

A new warning detection system comes into operation today (Monday) at the user-operated level crossing located just outside Claremorris. The warning detection system operates in a similar way to a traffic light.

Mayo County Council's Director of Services for the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District has said it is "unacceptable" that the country comes to a standstill after events like Storm Éowyn.

Another win for St Colman’s St Colman’s College senior football team had a fantastic win over the Leitrim Schools last week to set up a Connacht final against Sligo’s. Summerhill College.

National School pupils reach Robotics All-Ireland Final The fifth class team from Claremorris National School has made it through to the VEX Robotics All-Ireland Final, which will be held in Cork on February 2nd.

A Tractor and Truck Run took place in Brickens on December 27th last, organised by the local community and spearheaded by Eoin Delaney.  More than 70 tractors and other assorted vehicles assembled at 4.

“All parties in the Dáil now see the benefits and support the plan to re-open the railway from Athenry to Claremorris.

It may take years for Clare Lake in Claremorris to recover from last year's pollution incident, which resulted in the deaths of almost 1,000 fish.